Elevator system and installation method

Abstract

An exemplary mounting arrangement for an elevator machine comprises a first portion ( 32 ) and a second portion ( 34 ). The first portion and the second portion are moveable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally perpendicular to each other.

We claim: 
     
       1. A mounting arrangement an elevator machine, comprising:
 a first portion; and 
 a second portion hingedly connected to the first portion; 
 wherein the first portion and the second portion are moveable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally perpendicular to each other and wherein the first and second portion support the elevator machine during operation of the elevator system. 
 
     
     
       2. The mounting arrangement of  claim 1 , comprising:
 wiring extending between the first portion and the second portion for connecting the machine that can mount to the first portion to control electronics that can mount to the second portion. 
 
     
     
       3. The mounting arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion and the second portion establish a generally L-shaped frame that supports the elevator machine. 
     
     
       4. The mounting arrangement of  claim 1 , comprising:
 at least one deflector sheave supported on the first portion. 
 
     
     
       5. The mounting arrangement of  claim 1 , comprising:
 at least one termination for a roping arrangement for the elevator system. 
 
     
     
       6. The mounting arrangement of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a governor device supported on the machine support. 
 
     
     
       7. The mounting arrangement of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a plurality of rail mounting brackets supported on the first portion for positioning the guide rails in the hoistway. 
 
     
     
       8. A preassembled kit for subsequent use in an elevator system, comprising:
 a mounting arrangement for components of the elevator system, including:
 a first portion that is configured to receive a machine; and 
 a second portion that is configured to receive control electronics that operate the elevator machine, the first and second portions being hingedly connected to each other; and 
 
 wiring extending between the first portion and the second portion for connecting the machine to the controller. 
 
     
     
       9. The kit of  claim 8 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are moveable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally perpendicular to each other. 
     
     
       10. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion and the second portion establish a generally L-shaped frame that provides support for the elevator machine. 
     
     
       11. The kit of  claim 8 , comprising:
 at least one deflector sheave supported on the first portion. 
 
     
     
       12. The kit of  claim 8 , comprising:
 at least one termination for a roping arrangement for the elevator system. 
 
     
     
       13. The kit of  claim 8 , comprising:
 a governor device supported on the machine support. 
 
     
     
       14. The kit of  claim 8 , comprising:
 a plurality of rail mounting brackets supported on the first portion for positioning guide rails in the hoistway. 
 
     
     
       15. A method of installing components in an elevator system, comprising the steps of:
 placing an elevator machine support near a hoistway, the elevator machine support having a first portion and a second portion in a first orientation in which the first and second portions are generally parallel to each other; 
 raising at least the first portion to cause relative movement between the first and second portions into a second orientation in which the first and second portions are no longer parallel to each other; 
 raising the elevator machine support to a level corresponding to an installation location orienting the first and second portions to be generally perpendicular to each other in the installation location; and 
 securing the elevator machine support in the installation location. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 ,
 wherein the first and second portions establish a generally L-shaped frame to support the elevator machine in the installation location. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , comprising
 locking the first and second portions generally perpendicular to each other before moving the elevator machine support into the installation location. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , comprising
 moving the elevator machine support at least partially into the hoistway; 
 securing the first portion to a hoisting mechanism; and 
 performing the raising at least the first portion within the hoistway. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , comprising
 placing one end of the second portion on a floor at a landing for the elevator system such that at least a selected portion of a load of the elevator machine support is supported by the floor. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein one end of the first portion is supported by the second portion and the method comprises
 positioning a support between the one end and an opposite end of the first portion such that a remaining percentage of the weight of the elevator machine support is supported by the support. 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the support comprises a guide rail. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the support comprises a hanger coupled to a structural member above the first portion.